St Vincent De Paul Roman Catholic Church - Holiday Florida

Image: Saint John Damaskinos | unknown

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Saint of the Day for December 4

(c. 676 -749)

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Saint John Damascene’s Story

John spent most of his life in the Monastery of Saint Sabas near Jerusalem, and all of his life under Muslim rule, indeed protected by it.

He was born in Damascus, received a classical and theological education, and followed his father in a government position under the Arabs. After a few years, he resigned and went to the Monastery of Saint Sabas.

He is famous in three areas:

First, he is known for his writings against the iconoclasts, who opposed the veneration of images. Paradoxically, it was the Eastern Christian emperor Leo who forbade the practice, and it was because John lived in Muslim territory that his enemies could not silence him.

Second, he is famous for his treatise, Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, a summary of the Greek Fathers, of which he became the last. It is said that this book is for Eastern schools what the Summa of Aquinas became for the West.

Third, he is known as a poet, one of the two greatest of the Eastern Church, the other being Romanus the Melodist. His devotion to the Blessed Mother and his sermons on her feasts are well known.

Saint John Damascene's liturgical feast is celebrated on April 30.

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Reflection

John defended the Church’s understanding of the veneration of images and explained the faith of the Church in several other controversies. For over 30 years, he combined a life of prayer with these defenses and his other writings. His holiness expressed itself in putting his literary and preaching talents at the service of the Lord.

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Reading 1: Acts of Apostles 13:26-33, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 2:6-11, Gospel: John 14:1-6

Before the closing of the day, Creator, we Thee humbly pray, That, for Thy wonted mercy's sake, Thou us under protection take. May nothing in our minds excite Vain dreams and phantoms of the night; Our enemies repress, that so Our bodies no uncleanness know. In this, most gracious Father, hear, With Christ, Thy equal Son, our prayer; Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee, Doth live and reign eternally. Amen.

Reading 1: 1 Peter 5:5-14, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89:16-17, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89:2-3, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 89:6-7, Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

O Almighty God, Whose great power and eternal Wisdom embraces the universe, Watch over all policemen and Law enforcement officers everywhere. Protect them from harm In the performance of their duty To stop crime, robbery, Riots and violence. We pray, help them keep our streets And homes safe, day and night. We commend them to your loving care Because their duty is dangerous. Grant them strength and courage In their daily assignments. Dear God, protect these brave men ...

Almighty and loving Father, I thank you for giving St. Gerard to us as a most appealing model and powerful friend. By his example, he showed us how to love and trust You. You have showered many blessings on those who call upon him. For Your greater glory and my welfare, please grant me the favours which I ask in his name. (Mention your needs here...) And you, my powerful patron, intercede for me before the throne of God. Draw near to that throne and ...

Reading 1: Acts of Apostles 12:24-25, Reading 1: Acts of Apostles 13:1-5, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67:5-6, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67:8, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67:2-3, Gospel: John 12:44-50

Blessed Savior, I thank you that this operation is safely past, and now I rest in your abiding presence, relaxing every tension, releasing every care and anxiety, receiving more and more of your healing life into every part of my being. In moments of pain I turn to you for strength, in times of loneliness I feel your loving nearness. Grant that your life and love and joy may flow through me for the healing of others in your name. Amen.

Reading 1: Acts of Apostles 11:19-26, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 87:1-7, Gospel: John 10:22-30

Reading 1: Acts of Apostles 11:1-8, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 42:2-3, Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 43:3-4, Gospel: John 10:1-10